Casino Royale

By: Jack Hunt 11.28.2008

The Movie Itself:
James Bond is Back!

I recently embarked on a mission of my own. To watch all the Bond films in order. Believe me, it's not as easy as it sounds. Finding all of them is nearly impossible and Blockbuster's weak collection hardly does any justice. I ended up just buying the 'James Bond Ultimate Collector's DVD Set (2007)'. I'm sorry to say, but to me Sean Connery is the only Bond. That being said, there is an exception with Daniel Craig in 'Casino Royale'.

Prior to Casino Royale’s release, Connery was the only actor that understood who or what Bond is. Commander Sir James Bond, is an agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), but he is not just a spy. He is a well-paid assassin, but he is not simply a murderer. Not afraid to close fist punch a woman in the face or hold the door open for her. Later actors often forgot that Bond is supposed to be graceful, yet brutish. Approachable yet cold-hearted.

'Casino Royale' introduces James Bond just as he is earning his 007 (license to kill) status and he is promptly challenged with his first assignment. Global terrorist and banker, Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen), is searching for funds under the guise of a High Stakes Poker tournament. Vesper Lynd (Green) is assigned to keep track of Bonds buy-in as he enters the tournament in an attempt to foil the plot. Bond falls in love with the seductive double agent, which puts him in a position of which he is not accustomed. Bond’s mission first mentality is conflicted, when he decides to wear his heart on his sleeve.

Far from a remake of the troubling 1967 parody release of the same name, 'Casino Royale', is an appropriate combination of explosive action and drama. I’ll be the first to admit that I could never picture Craig as Bond. With blonde hair and blue eyes, his look doesn’t fit the part. Fortunately his attitude and demeanor does. Craig’s screen presence is felt and his performance will ultimately be remembered as a success for the storied franchise. “The name's Bond... James Bond.” Even if the follow-ups prove pale in compassion to Craig’s debut, his name will forever be synonymous with that of James Bond, with good reason.

Simon Abkarian (Alex Dimitrios) and Mads Mikkelsen (Le Chiffre) prove to be worthy adversaries and the latter delivers Bond one of the more brutal beatings. He tries to take away Bond’s most important weapon. Eva Green as (Vesper Lynd) is more than just a lovely face and elegant figure, but displays depth in character and is as seductive as she is intelligent. And, Ivana Milicevic as (Valenka) is simply put, beautiful. Without a doubt, two of the more attractive Bond girls in at least a decade. Judi Dench returns as (M) and although I’ve never been a fan of the female M, she does a practically good job this time around. Sadly, one of my favorite long-stays (Q) has been eliminated.

James Bond will return in 'Quantum of Solace.'
Rating: 8/10

The Presentation:
'Casino Royale' on Blu-ray is as stunning as a new release is expected to be, but is it perfect? The freshly minted 1080p ~MPEG-4 AVC transfer is flawless and clean. Exterior scenes almost appear to be too bright. Honestly, at certain times I thought Craig was digitally introduced to the scene. Interiors are far more relaxed and the level of detail is obvious. Flesh tones vary, but colors are shocking with deep blacks. Although sharpness stuffers at some points, it’s not really a huge problem with a decent amount of clarity being evident.

Audio shines on this release and the PCM 5.1 surround track is first-rate. Most of the time I had to hold my remote in hand for fear of deep bass and the wrath of geeky neighbors, but the dialogue is even audible at lower volumes. Although I don’t rate this Blu-ray as a top tier transfer, few are at this point are, but it certainly is a solid transfer and can easily recommend it.
Rating: 8/10

The Extras:
Slim pickings here. 'Becoming Bond' makes me feel like I’m on a boring acid trip at first and then we settle into a dull inside look at the history of Bond. Just a bunch of stuffy shirts sounding like they are the Queen of England talking about Bond. They really could have made this featurette great, but they chose to go a different way.

Next up, 'James Bond: for Real'. Just the same people talking scenes, locations and sequences. In light of the trip, this one had me feeling like I was in a bad UK disco-tech. Am I the only one who hates these featurette's? Sure, I love to see experts talking about their film, but why show every clip during the commentary? I realize it's for comparisions sake, but it really does ruin the movie for me. I feel sorry for people who watch the features first and then the movie.

Figures the only one I actually enjoyed was 'Bond Girls Are Forever'. Which comes in a 3 segments; A New Kind of Woman, Children of our Generations and Bond Meets His Match. Basically, Bond Girls talking Bond girls and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Also included: Chris Cornell music video “You Know My Name” which is the title song for ‘Casino Royale’. It’s actually a pretty Bond good song, as Bond songs go. And of course everyone’s favorite, previews.
Rating: 4/10

Overall:
Although I’m a big fan of Pierce Bronson the actor and loved his first installment as Bond, ‘Golden Eye’, his later attempts really did nothing for me. Not really his fault, just dire scripts. Daniel Craig brought back Bond in a big way. They finally gave us the Bond we know and love. How many inane explosions and car chases does a person need to see? I thought he was a spy; they tried to turn him into Rambo. ‘Casino Royale’ is an easy recommendation for Blu-ray or Bond fans alike.
Rating: 7/10